Golf Program in Schools

To provide every 5-9 grade student valuable life lessons through an introduction to the game of golf. We aim to build student confidence, promote physical and mental fitness and provide information about golf that can lead to college scholarships, launch careers, and identify the benefits of golf that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

We are a family and community focused non-profit organization dedicated to helping students find their right PATH through Golf and empowering them to reach them highest potential.

Our award-winning program is currently approved in 8 West Valley school districts introducing 5th - 9th grade students to the lifelong benefits of golf. As of school year 2018-2019, over 26,000 students have participated in the GPS program during their regularly scheduled P.E. class. Our program is no cost to the student and no cost to the school and our model removes all socio-economic limitations, allowing every student to benefit from the life lessons of Golf. . Through golf we hope to install four core values of the game: Persistence, Achievement, Trustworthiness, and Health

Persistence: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Golf embodies how practice can be a powerful tool.

Achievement: Students gain increased confidence in their abilities with positive input and direction.

Trustworthiness: "If it is to be, it is up to me." Golfers keep their own score, developing trust in themselves and other players.

Healthy Lifestyle: A lifestyle incorporating golf is a great way to enjoy fresh air and regular exercise without the need for exceptional athletic abilities.

Testimonials

ʻʻIf you are looking for a golf instructor, I would like to recommend Scott Rutter. I am a new high school girls golf coach. I had 11 girls come out for the golf season with 9 of them never golfing before. I didn't know how I was going to teach them how to play golf. This is when I contacted Scott and he said, "Give me a week with them and I'll show them how to play." Sure enough, we spent 1 week with him and he had those girls driving, chipping, and putting. Each day was a specific lesson over a different part of the game. He broke it down to putting, chipping, swinging the clubs, driving, golf etiquette, and managing the course. He made it fun for the girls by playing games and holding competitions. He also has a swing analysis available.ˮ - Julie Mohn, Cactus High School Girls Golf Coach, October 2018

ʻʻThe teachers loved it, the kids loved it and it was the first time my students had a golf club in their hands.ˮ - CJ Smith, Principal Peoria Elementary School

ʻʻMy two boys really enjoy golf. It is fun to watch them during their lesson. They are learning a life long activity they can play their whole lives. Because my boys have some physical limitations, taking lessons with coach Scott helps them to compete in sports. There are essentially playing against themselves and the course. I don't have to worry about them getting knocked down or hurt by other players. The GPS Academy provides great opportunities for them and I love the fact that part of their lessons incorporate teaching them respect towards themselves, others and other things.ˮ- Teresa F. Glendale, AZ (Boys 5yrs & 8yrs)

ʻʻThanks GPS is a great opportunity to expose youth to the game of golf. Golf can help students find the right path in life and can lead to careers in golf and golf scholarships.ˮ- Helen Estep, MyLocalNews.com, AZ, August 27, 2018

At the end of the GPS in school program, the students get a dollar for each ball that they chip into the bucket. A recent student saw an opportunity to cheat the system, and without hitting the ball ran up to the bucket, plucked out a ball and ran to the coach asking for her dollar. The coach, being aware of the trick complied, knowing what the next lesson was. At the end of the exercise the coach gave a talk about the honesty, integrity and personal responsibility part of playing golf and how each player makes the choice to be honest and it is their, and only their, integrity that matters. At the end of the lesson the young student approached the coach, returned the dollar and said "I didn't earn this". She told the truth and thanked him for teaching her about honesty and integrity! -Tom Loegering, May, 2019

At last month's family fun day a GPS Golf Academy student ran up to his dad and said, "This is the best family outing we have ever been on". Later the dad said to me," it cost me $2500 to take my family to San Diego and Flagstaff and my son says this free family fun day is the best family event we have ever had!

One of the newest students in the academy, Mina, was first exposed to golf at the recently closed, Glen lakes Golf Course. She and a family friend grabbed a couple buckets of balls and went to the driving range while their parents watched from the patio. Mina was instantly hooked on golf. Through mutual acquaintances, Mina and her mother found their way to The GPS Golf Academy...